Sound familiar? Lawsuit claims San Felipe high-rise would be ‘abnormal and out of place’

A group of residents in the River Oaks area has filed a lawsuit against a planned 17-story office tower, arguing that it would be “abnormal and out of place” in the neighborhood.

The petition filed in Harris County Civil Court argues, among several factors, that the height of the building would interfere with privacy and that it would cause unreasonable traffic delays, devalue surrounding properties and erode the character of the neighborhood.

The group has threatened to file suit since the Houston-based Hines announced the project. Construction has since begun at 2229 San Felipe. Several signs in the area read, “Stop the San Felipe Skyscraper,” and some residents have spoken to the City Council, started petitions and launched a website to fight the development.

Sound familiar?

This case follows a jury verdict last year in favor of residents from a neighborhood near Rice University fighting a residential tower planned in their midst at 1717 Bissonnet, widely referred to as the Ashby high-rise. The jury awarded damages to residents after a month-long trial and years-long battle over the development by Houston-based Buckhead Investment Partners. A hearing over whether the project should go forward has twice been postponed in State District Judge Randy Wilson’s court.

Hines officials call the San Felipe project a “boutique” office tower with nine floors of office space and eight levels of parking. Hines, which is responsible for many of the most recognizable buildings in the city, has multiple projects in the works in Houston and said this project has generated remarkable interest. The company has also pointed to several existing towers in the area where the project is in the works, including the nearby Huntington and a bank tower.

UPDATE:

Hines spokesman George Lancaster sent the following statement in an email:

The midrise boutique office building under construction at 2229 San Felipe is an important and appropriate development for an area mixed with residential, commercial, and multi-family properties. The building will benefit the community by addressing a significant demand for new office space in this rapidly growing part of town. It will also create valuable jobs and create significant property tax revenues for the City of Houston. 2229 San Felipe is fully permitted by the City and complies with all applicable building codes and other legal requirements. 2229 San Felipe, LLC has given special attention throughout the design process to minimize noise, protect privacy, limit light pollution, minimize traffic impact, and create a sustainable, energy efficient building that will be a valuable asset to the community. The improved site will also offer beautiful landscaping, including 19 trees and pedestrian sidewalks (where there are presently none).

2229 San Felipe, LLC has secured financing to develop the project and leasing activity is exceeding expectations. 2229 San Felipe, LLC refers you to http://www.2229sanfelipe.com/ for additional information regarding the project. 2229 San Felipe, LLC believes that the lawsuit is unfortunate and misguided, but will continue to work with the community during construction and thereafter. 2229 San Felipe, LLC of course denies the allegations.